New Zealand smashed Sri Lanka by 102 runs in a one-sided Women’s T20 World Cup clash at Boland Park in Paarl on Sunday. Half-centuries from Suzie Bates (56) and Amelia Kerr (66) helped New Zealand post 162/3 after winning the toss and opting to bat. Sri Lanka then were bundled out for 60 in 15.5 overs as they went in search of a win that would have sent them through to the knockout stage.

The huge margin of victory took New Zealand ahead of Sri Lanka in Group I and the White Ferns will qualify for the semi-finals should South Africa fail to beat Bangladesh in the final game in the group on Tuesday.

New Zealand made a strong start with Bernadine Bezuidenhout the only wicket to fall in the Powerplay, departing for a lively 32 off 20 balls. Bates was joined in the middle by Kerr to lift their team to 75/1 at the halfway stage of the innings.

Kerr brought up her 50 off 40 balls and Bates too reached the mark, scoring her second straight half-century. Unfortunately for Sri Lanka, they were hampered a little bit by an injury to pacer Achini Kulasuriya, who pulled up after the first ball of her third over and was stretchered off the field.

However, Inoka Ranaweerastepped up in the final over as she dismissed Bates while Kerr was run out, ensuring New Zealand couldn’t finish with a flourish.

If Sri Lanka were to pull off the chase, their top-heavy batting line-up would need to fire from the onset. But they lost early wickets that hurt their chances of a win. Kerr contributed with the ball, striking twice with her leg spin. Pacer Lea Tahuhu also picked up a couple of wickets. Hardly any of the Sri Lankan batters could come up with a challenge for the bowlers.

Brief scores: NZ Women 162/3 in 20 ovs (S. Bates 56, A. Kerr 66; I. Ranaweera 1/27). SL Women 60 in 15.5 ovs (A. Kerr 2/7, L. Tahuhu 2/12). NZ Women won by 102 runs.